UNESCO Dhaka Office. Directorate of Primary Education, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education 2 Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

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1 UNESCO Dhaka Office House : 122, Road : 01, Block : F Banani, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh Tel : , FAX : URL : dhaka@unesco.org Terms of Reference (ToR) for selection of one reputed national NGOs for providing technical services in piloting ICT and mobile-based literacy in Jamalpur through establishing NRC at union parishad and strengthening existing Children Learning Centres (CLCs). 1. Background and Justification In Bangladesh, there has been significant progress on the primary education enrolment with gender parity over the last decades. According to the Annual Sector Performance Report (DPE ), 97.3% of girls and boys in the country enter primary schools. On the other hand, primary education completion rate is 79%, which means 21% of primary school students drop out without mastering basic literacy skills. Literacy rate for the age group 15 years and above is still as low as 60.70% 2, with serious disparities between urban and rural areas as well as male and female. Promotion of ICT in education is one of the key strategies of the government of Bangladesh under the vision of Digital Bangladesh. Ministry of Education developed Master Plan for ICT 3 in Education in 2013 in cooperation of UNESCO. In coordination with the Master Plan, the Access to Information (A2I) programme has assisted to develop capacities of school teachers on supplementary content development in the formal education sector. Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) updates information on ICT users through their website ( every month. As of July 2015, there are around million mobile phone users and million internet users but there is no exact information on numbers and percentage of the use on different devices. In the case of internet users, it is reported that 97% of them are mobile internet users according to the BTRC monthly report of July The mobile phones can work as one of the devices to disseminate the customized contents of literacy and skills training courses to the learners. A pilot project called Advancing Mobile Literacy Learning in Bangladesh is under process of launching. This project will be implemented in Jamalpur district. In this context, the Children Learning Centres (CLCs) of Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) and Chinaduli union parishad will be the infrastructural base for piloting purpose. The piloting ICT and mobile based literacy project will be started with 5 communities in the first phase linking with existing CLCs. In total, 17 communities in 1 union will be directly covered by the project over 3 phases (table 1). As the project experiences will be shared regularly through sharing forums and in conjunction with the CLCs, it is expected that BNFE and other partner organizations will apply the content, tools and approaches of this project for expansion of the geographical 1 Directorate of Primary Education, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education 2 Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics 3 The ICT term applies to any device and application used but not limited to radio, television, cellular phones, computer hardware and software, network hardware and software, satellite systems, peripherals, connections to the internet, etc. Digital technologies are included in this definition, as are the services and applications used for communication and information processing functions associated with these devices (Ref: Strategy Framework for Promoting ICT Literacy in the Asia-Pacific Region, UNESCO). 1

2 coverage. In that case, the project will extend its technical assistance to other districts as well through sharing resources and experiences in future. Table 1: List of geographical targets of the programme. District Upazila (Subdistrict) Union (Lowest tier of local government) Number of communities (CLCs) to initiate project activities 1 st phase 2 nd phase 3 rd phase (Upto (June 2016 (June 2017 May May May 2016) 2017) 2018) Jamalpur Islampur Chinaduli Total Note: Five (5) CLCs will be added in 2 nd phase i.e. 2 nd phase will cover 10 CLCs. In third phase 7 new CLCs will be added with the CLCs and NRC of first and second phase i.e. third phase will cover a total of 17 CLCs and 5 NRCs. CLCs 4 and NRC 5 of Dhaka Ahsania Mission above will be the main centres for delivering ICT and mobile based literacy programme. In addition to CLC and NRC based delivery mechanism, local clubs, local schools, courtyard, farmer-school and homestead sitting house (Bangla/Kachari Ghar) will also be used to reach the unreached and learners of remote areas. The project will cover all the people in the communities with priority on illiterates and neo-literates in particular adolescent girls and women in disadvantaged situation. Number of 1,700 people will be covered through 17 CLCs as direct beneficiary. In this context, UNESCO Dhaka Office plans to select one reputed national NGO for piloting ICT and mobile-based literacy programme for Jamalpur district for the period of May 2016 to May Overall objective The overall objective is to improve access and quality of literacy programmes, strengthen literate environment and promoting lifelong learning opportunity through ICT and mobile technology. 3. Specific objectives The specific objectives are to: 3.1 establish ICT and mobile-based NRC at Chinaduli union parishad of Islampur upazila and strengthen existing CLCs for transforming literacy skills with continuing education opportunities learning in underserved communities 3.2 enhance learning opportunities using suitable mobile and ICT resources in rural communities; and, 3.3 establish a technical support mechanism for ICT and mobile technology based literacy programme. 4. Expected outputs 4.1 established ICT and mobile-based NRC at Chinaduli union parishad 4.2 strengthened existing 17 CLCs with ICT and mobile-based facilities for conducting literacy and continuing education programme; 4 CLCs are the Children Learning Centres for providing and coordinating all types of children learning initiatives for example, preprimary education, flexible schooling for dropout children, health care and health education. Each CLC has its specific catchment area independent management committee. 5 NRCs are the union Non-Formal Education Resource Centres based at union parishad bhaban/building. NRCs are the capacity building unit for CLCs, UP, UDCC and other relevant stakeholders. NRCs also coordinate and mobilize local resources, service delivery agencies, training institutions, school, college, universities, cultural organizations, local clubs and individual experts including operating e-mobile library. 2

3 4.3 graduated 1700 youth and adult persons through ICT and mobile-based literacy; 4.4 developed sustainable mobile and other technology-based learning systems to address the individual learning needs and enhance literacy skills of under-served populations; 5. Activities to be carried out 5.1 Undertake baseline survey for selection of learners, their literacy background, occupation and socio-economic background, and existing resources, learning contents and ICT devices at the project sites of Jamalpur (draft tools for baseline survey should be enclosed in Annex of the proposal); 5.2 Establish ICT and mobile technology-based NRC at Chinaduli union parishad and strengthen CLCs; 5.3 Organize three district level planning workshops in 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd phase to finalize action plans at the project sites of Jamalpur including target population groups, contents, tools, capacity development, M&E with action researches; 5.4 Develop/collect/adapt ICT and mobile-based learning contents/primer/manual for using in piloting; 5.5 Carry out ICT and mobile-based literacy and capacity building activities in the 5 CLCs under the 1st phase, with technical support of the project team (Ref: Table-1); 5.6 Initiate piloting of ICT and mobile-based literacy and capacity building activities in 5 CLCs in Jamalpur as the 2nd phase in new sites, and continue the piloting in the 5 CLCs under the 1st phase (Ref: Table-1); 5.7 Initiate piloting of ICT and mobile-based literacy with exit strategy and capacity building activities in 7 CLCs in Jamalpur as the 3rd phase in new sites, and continue the piloting in the 10 CLCs under the 1st and 2nd phases (Ref: Table-1); 5.8 Carryout an action research involving relevant stakeholders (Draft framework and guideline for action research should be enclosed in Annex of the proposal). 6. Reporting Submit the following to UNESCO for approval: 6.1 Tools for conducting baseline survey no later than 15 May 2016; 6.2 Baseline survey report no later than 30 June 2016; 6.3 First progress report no later than 30 September 2016 including framework of action research report; 6.4 Second progress report no later than 31 March 2017 including 1 st draft of action research report; 6.5 Third progress report no later than 30 September 2017 including 2 nd draft action research report; 6.6 Final Report no later than 31 May 2018 including final action research report; After submission of the draft report UNESCO shall provide feedback which needs to be incorporated in the progress and final reports until such time UNESCO is satisfied. 7. Contents of the proposal The technical proposal should contain the following contents: 1. Introduction and understanding of assignment; 2. Overall objective; 3. Specific objectives; 4. Expected result (Ref: Item 4); 3

4 5. Activities to be carried out and methodologies/strategies to be followed for each activity including conducting action research (Ref: Item 5). (Draft tools for baseline survey, draft framework and guideline for action research should be enclosed in Annex of the proposal); 6. Description of sustainability and phase-out strategy; 7. Description of monitoring and evaluation mechanism; 8. Description of proposed project personnel and facilitators for CLCs and NRCs to be involved in project, their academic background and relevant work experience etc.(cvs should be enclosed with proposal); 9. Description of applicant NGO s experiences in implementation of literacy and NFE project activities earlier with specific reference (Profile and relevant documents should be enclosed); 10. MATRIX Description Performance Indicator Means of Verification (MoV) Assumptions Overall objective Specific objectives Results Activities 11. Detailed work plan (in months); 12. Annexes (Relevant documents) 8. Eligibility/qualification/experience requirements 8.1 The applicant NGO should be registered with NGO Affairs Bureau/Department of Social Services/Joint Stock Companies & Firms with at least 10 years of working experience in education and community development programme (copies of registration should be enclosed technical proposal); 8.2 The NGOs should have experience of implementing development programmes of at least BDT 10 million in each year of last three years. Relevant documents should be enclosed with technical proposal as evidence of working experience (especially copies agreements with donor agencies, including certified audit reports of last three years); 8.3 Letter of declaration by the authorized person of applicant NGO that the applicant NGO has no record of fraudulent and has never been BLACK LISTED by any donor or government agencies (Letter of declaration should be enclosed with technical proposal). 8.4 CVs of proposed personnel including facilitators for CLCs and NRCs and letter of assurance in engaging them in the project. The proposed personnel should have practical experience in working with similar programmes (The CVs containing relevant information should be enclosed with technical proposal). 9. Selection criteria The proposal consists of total 100 points. 70 points out of 100 is for technical proposal and 30 points is for financial proposal. # Criteria for proposal evaluation Points A Technical proposal 1. Relevant working experience of the offeror 5 2. Proposed methodology/strategy Monitoring and evaluation strategy Sustainability and phase out strategy Relevant experience of proposed personnel 10 4

5 # Criteria for proposal evaluation Points 6. Elaborate and logical work plan 10 Total of technical proposal 70 B Financial proposal 30 Total of financial proposal 30 Grand Total (A+B) 100 The responsive technically proposals will be evaluated first. Evaluation of the price proposals (of all offerors who have attained minimum 70% score in the technical evaluation) will be evaluated based on the weight scoring method as follows: The total amount of points allocated for the financial proposal is [30 points]. The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened and compared among those invited offerors which obtain the threshold points in the evaluation of the technical component. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price; e.g. [total lowest price] x [30] [Total quoted price by specific offeror] = obtained points of that specific offeror. Obtained scores in both the proposals (technical and financial) will be compiled to identify the highest scorer. If required, negotiation may be held with the highest scorer. 10. Budget/Basis of expenditure The financial proposal should contain all the activities and components required for implementation of the project. The contribution of different sources should also be mentioned in the budget. Please note that UNESCO Dhaka Office doesn t deduct any amount for VAT/Tax from the contracted amount. The budget should be prepared in MS-Excel. The prescribed template for budget is given in Annex Pre-bid meeting A briefing meeting on the ToR and overall assignment will be held on 17 April 2016 at 2:00 pm at UNESCO Dhaka Office, House# 122, Road# 1, Block-F, Banani, Dhaka. Organizations interested to apply are welcome to attend the briefing meeting and they need to confirm about their participation through to procurement.dhaka@unesco.org before 17 April Proposal submission Duly signed hard copy and soft copy (CD/DVD form) of proposals should be submitted no later than 4:00 pm of 24 April 2016 to Head and Representative, UNESCO Dhaka Office, House# 122, Road# 1, Block-F, Banani, Dhaka. The applicant NGOs must submit their proposals in two envelopes. One for technical and another for financial proposals. The applicant NGOs must submit five copies of the technical proposals (one original and four photocopies). All the five copies should be sealed separately. The original copy should be marked with ORIGINAL and each of the three photocopies copies should be marked with COPY. These four copies of technical proposal should be put together in an envelope and should mark with TECHNICAL PROPOSAL. The financial proposals should follow the similar system i.e., one original and three photocopies. All the four copies should be sealed separately. The original copy should be marked with ORIGINAL and each of the three photocopies copies should be marked with COPY. These four copies of financial technical proposal should be put together in an envelope and should mark with FINANCIAL PROPOSAL. At last the sets of technical and financial proposals should be put together in an envelope and that envelop should be marked with PROPOSAL FOR MOBILE LITERACY. The markings should be at the top of the envelopes. The complete mailing address of the applicant NGO should be clearly written on the left-bottom corner of the envelope. UNESCO Dhaka Office holds the right to select any one from the received proposals or cancel this call for proposal without showing any reason and/or go for further calling of proposal. 5

6 Annex-1: Financial Proposal / Price Schedule Project Title: Piloting ICT and Mobile-based literacy in NFE sub-sector in Bangladesh Project duration: May 2016 to May 2018 Total Financial Proposal [Bangladesh Taka (BDT)/amount]: Request for Proposal Ref: Date of Submission: Name of applicant NGO: Authorized Signature: SL. NO Description of Budget Line Title of Unit 6 Unit rate Total units Total Amount in Bangladesh Taka (BDT) May May 2017 June May CLC related activities including remuneration of CLC facilitators 2 NRC related activities including remuneration of NRC facilitators 3 NFE resource team and networking-based activities 6 For example, person-month/laptop/tab/note pad/set of learning materials/rechargeable miniprojector etc. 6

7 SL. NO Description of Budget Line Title of Unit 6 Unit rate Total units Total Amount in Bangladesh Taka (BDT) May May 2017 June May Human Resource other than CLC and NRC facilitators 5 Logistic, transportation, reporting, documentation, communication, stationery, postage etc. 6 Others (please specify) 7 Grand Total BDT ( ) Total amount in USD (USD 1=BDT 78.35) Note: Please insert/delete the rows as per requirement. The sl. nos. of budget lines should also be corresponding with the sl. nos. of planned activities in the technical proposal. Also please enclose the budget details in Annex of financial proposal. Any request for an advance payment is to be justified and documented and must be submitted with the financial proposal. This justification shall explain the need for the advance payment, itemise the amount requested and provide a time-schedule for utilisation of said amount. 7